WASHINGTON, Dec. 27 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Council on American-
Islamic Relations (CAIR) today welcomed an announcement by the U.S.
Transportation Security Administration (TSA) that it has provided special
training about Islamic traditions related to the Hajj, or pilgrimage to
Mecca, to some 45,000 airport security officers.
The TSA cultural sensitivity training includes details about the timing
of Hajj travel, about items pilgrims may be carrying and about Islamic
prayers that may be observed by security personnel. SEE:
http://usinfo.state.gov/ Search using the term "Hajj."
Earlier this month, CAIR advised those going on Hajj to be aware of
their civil and legal rights as airline passengers. CAIR's "Your Rights and
Responsibilities as an American Muslim" pocket guide states: "As an airline
passenger, you are entitled to courteous, respectful and non-stigmatizing
treatment by airline and security personnel. You have the right to complain
about treatment that you believe is discriminatory." SEE:
http://www.cair.com
"We welcome the fact that airport security officers nationwide will now
be better informed about Islamic traditions relating to Hajj," said CAIR
Communications Director Ibrahim Hooper. "This proactive effort on the part
of the Transportation Security Administration demonstrates that there is no
contradiction between the need to maintain airline safety and security and
the duty to protect the religious and civil rights of airline passengers."
Hooper said representatives of CAIR chapters nationwide have met with
TSA, Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and Customs and Border
Protection (CBP) officials on issues related to cultural sensitivity and
national security.
CAIR, America's largest Islamic civil liberties group, has 32 offices
and chapters nationwide and in Canada. Its mission is to enhance the
understanding of Islam, encourage dialogue, protect civil liberties,
empower American Muslims, and build coalitions that promote justice and
mutual understanding.
Contact: CAIR National Communications Director Ibrahim Hooper,
+1-202-488-8787 or +1-202-744-7726 or ihooper@cair.com
SOURCE Council on American-Islamic Relations
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Related links:
http://usinfo.state.gov
http://www.cair.com
CONTACT:
CAIR National Communications Director Ibrahim
Hooper, +1-202-488-8787 or +1-202-744-7726 or ihooper@cair.com
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